Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has been selected as the prime integrator to provide an end-to-end mobile signature service in Spain for Telefónica Móviles España. The service is based on a solution from leading authentication provider Valimo Wireless.

Developed in conjunction with Valimo Wireless, the end-user service will provide mobile signature services to support secure authentication for web log-ins, remote access and the digital signing of transactions and documents.

Under the contract, Ericsson will act as prime integrator, delivering a complete solution, including first-line solution support, and has life-cycle management responsibility. Ericsson will develop, install and integrate a mobile signature functionality and SIM software. Deployment is set to commence in the second quarter of 2007 and the service will initially be targeted at large corporations.

Mobile digital signing applications have become one of the most robust mechanisms for authentication and identification. This, together with the availability of cryptographic SIMs, prompted Telefónica Móviles España (TME) to develop its new mobile signature service.

Cayetano Lluch, Technological General Manager at Telefónica Móviles España, says: "This new service will help position Telefónica as the preferred communications partner among our corporate customers. It provides them with new security mechanisms based on the mobile device, a service that will help them improve employee efficiency and productivity. Working with Ericsson and Valimo Wireless gives us confidence that we will succeed in this task."

Ingemar Naeve, Head of Ericsson's Market Unit Iberia, says: "This contract opens the door to an exciting new area where the mobile device can be used as an advanced electronic ID. It demonstrates Ericsson's ability as a systems integrator to support operators in creating innovative services that boost end-user loyalty, increase revenue and allow operators to focus on their core business."

Jarkko Elonen, Chief Operating Officer at Valimo Wireless, says: "Valimo Wireless' mobile identity concept sits on a mobile operator's existing customer service and SIM-logistic processes, enabling existing handsets to support the new services. Generating a digital signature is therefore as easy as sending an SMS.

"Phone-based authentication services are a natural fit for TME. They create benefits for the operator, their enterprise clients and end users alike. The Valimo Wireless solution has been commercially deployed by more than 40 customers around the world."

Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world.